PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum
PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum
Podcast Description
Interested in girls’ and women’s success? And in hearing from people who are invested in advancing girls’ education today and helping to shape its future? Then the PrincipalED podcast is for you! We’ll take you inside the halls of a girls’ school, where you’ll hear candid conversations with educators and students, friends of the school and experts in their fields. We’ll also highlight the incredible stories of people in our Branksome Hall community, sharing what's on their minds—and why it matters.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes related to girls' and women's success in education, including topics like leadership, academic achievement, social-emotional learning, and resilience, with episodes featuring discussions on parenting strategies and insights from experts like Dr. Lisa Damour.
Interested in girls’ and women’s success? And in hearing from people who are invested in advancing girls’ education today and helping to shape its future? Then the PrincipalED podcast is for you! We’ll take you inside the halls of a girls’ school, where you’ll hear candid conversations with educators and students, friends of the school and experts in their fields. We’ll also highlight the incredible stories of people in our Branksome Hall community, sharing what’s on their minds—and why it matters.
Listen to the PrincipalED Podcast Playlist: bit.ly/PrincipalED
In the final episode of Season 1 of PrincipalED, Grace McCallum welcomes Hayley AvRUSKIN’87— Branksome Hall alum, long-serving School Counsellor, dedicated coach and co-founder of Let’s Grow Learning and Living Hub for adults with complex disabilities.
After graduating as Head Girl of the Class of ’87, earning a Master’s of Education in the UK and returning to Branksome as an educator, Hayley has spent the past 30 years shaping lives across generations. Whether guiding students as a counsellor, building inclusive communities through her nonprofit work, or coaching the Knightlanders Ultimate Frisbee team to a championship title, Hayley has always led with purpose and care.
As she prepares for retirement, Hayley reflects on the experiences that influenced her path, the evolving needs of students over time and the importance of creating spaces where every individual can thrive. She also shares insights on leadership, advocacy and the value of staying connected to your “why” — both in work and in life.
Join us as we look back on a remarkable career and celebrate Hayley’s lasting contributions to Branksome and beyond.
Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED.
Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall.
The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. www.branksome.on.ca
Episode keywords: Hayley AvRuskin, school counsellor, inclusive education, student well-being, alumni stories, Ultimate Frisbee, special education, disability advocacy, retirement, coaching, student support, life after teaching, nonprofit leadership
Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership
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